Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Hodgepodge Gratitude


I'll have to get the dogs to move before I can vacuum the rugs.
But really...do I want to disturb them?

To
Join Joyce and the Gang
Click on the button below.
She writes the questions,
We write the answers.

Thanks, Joyce.

1. What's something you take for granted, that when you stop and think about it you feel truly grateful for?

I'm not sure that I do take it for granted, actually, because I say a prayer of thanks every time I step into the shower and feel the warm water. How many people on this earth have never felt a warm shower, or maybe even a cold shower, and don't have running water. Every day I am so grateful for those things.

2. The color brown-love it or no? What's your favorite shade of brown? Most loved something in your home or closet in a shade of brown?

Brown used to be my favorite, or at least one of my favorite colors. Now it's green. It might have something to do with the climate in which we live. The brown I like best is the brown of my brother's leather sofa. If I remember right, it's kind of a coffee with cream, soft but dark, rich and yummy. Kinda like a Ritter bar, dark chocolate with hazelnut.

 Brown

 Green

White

3. What's something you're looking forward to today?

I'm looking forward to enjoying a clean house - once I get busy and clean it, that is. I wonder if I'll recognize it.

4. The word 'feminism' is not new, but it has been generating all kinds of headlines in recent days and months. What do you think/feel when you hear the word? If you're a woman, do you want to be described as a feminist? Why or why not?

You bait me, Joyce. You know you do. :-)

Betty Friedan
 TheStar.com

I think this photo was taken just before the house landed on her. 


The word 'feminism' conjures up usually loud and angry images of Bella Abzug, Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, and others. I wouldn't want to be listed among them. I think that many feminists, when they say they want women to have choice, don't really want women to have their own choice, but the choice they think women should make. Ask any one of them how they feel about a woman choosing to stay home and take care of her children (the SAHM). I believe in equal rights for women, equal pay for equal work, but I don't believe in being angry and hating men. Men are nice people. And sometimes way easier to understand.

Personally, I like the differences between men and women, and I'm grateful that I was born female. I'm not insulted if a man opens the door for me or plows the driveway or brings in firewood. And I do know enough to appreciate the good things my husband does for me every day and tell him so. It doesn't diminish me to do so.

Men and women, though different, have equal value. The 'feminists' aren't the ones who thought this up.


Paul writes to the church at Galatia:  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.


And to the believers at Ephesus, 'Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.'

We don't need feminism; we need Christians who actually live by these principles.

P.S. I'd rather have a load of firewood brought into the house than to receive a dozen roses - any day. Well, any day in the winter, at least.


5. What's something you personally can't eat without making a mess?

A pomegranate.

 I think he's less messy than I am.

6. When did you last surprise someone with a little gift or when were you last surprised by someone with a little gift? What was it?


Probably the meal I took to a young neighbor who just delivered their fourth child IN THEIR VAN at the edge of the highway. It is a long story. She is amazing and calm and extremely capable, and I admire her. Baby is beautiful. Mother and baby and the rest of the family are doing well.

7. Share a favorite quote, saying, song lyric or scripture relating to gratitude.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;  great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (This relates to gratitude in that I am grateful for God's faithfulness and mercy.)

 “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”  - G.K. Chesterton

And one more Chesterton, just for fun:
 “The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people.”  :-)

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I was watching the TV news yesterday morning (a bad habit) and saw that in the Chicago area, a small plane had crashed into the living room of someone's residence. A neighbor, interviewed outside, said, 'I'm just thankful that the family is safe. They are really lucky.'

They are really lucky???

No, I am really lucky. I am sitting in a warm house in Wisconsin and do not have a plane protruding from my living room.

NBC News


***


Check out my homemade, vegan Christmas soaps!
Buy any 5 or more, Get 1 FREE


...and more! Check out all my handcrafted soaps at


Although I usually forget to do it, there is a chance that this post will be linked to one or more of these great linky parties:  Amaze Me Monday and Inspiration Monday and Mosaic Monday and The Barn Collective and    Treasure Box Tuesday and Vintage Bliss Tuesday and KatheWithAnE and Rubbish Tuesday and Our World Tuesday and Tuesdays at our Home and Tuesday with a Twist and  Knick of Time Tuesday (vintage)  and   Tweak it Tuesday and Vintage Inspiration Wednesday and Ivy and Elephants Wednesday and Adorned From Above  and Artsy Corner Thursday and  All Things With Purpose and Home & Garden Thursday and Good Fences on Thursdays and  Time Travel Thursday and Freedom Fridays and Vintage Inspiration Friday and Saturday's Critters

54 comments:

The Cranky said...

Is it bad that I'm chuckling here?

You and I believe exactly the same things in re: men and women, and yet I'm content to be called a feminist if someone finds a label necessary. I suspect that many people, if they listen to one another, would find that true in many areas of their lives.

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

Thank you for the morning giggle about the house falling on Betty Friedan.

Hope you're staying warm, Judy.

Joyce said...

I liked your answer about feminism : ) You know if you take a pomegranate, cut it in half and hold it over a bowl, and then tap the skin with a wooden spoon the seeds fall into the bowl. Much neater that way!

On the side of the road? God bless her!

Sandi said...

Hahaha! I just had to laugh at the plane comment. You're so lucky there's a plane in your living room! :-D

Pamela Gordon said...

Always interesting to read your comments on these questions and I also agree with you on the feminism issue. And the pilot of that plane ran away?? Hmm. something fishy there. Thankfully no one was hurt. Have a cozy day.

Lynne said...

Please let the pups stay there . . . they are grateful for the wooden fire warmth.

I have never eaten a pomegranate . . . I will try one soon and use the wooden spoon idea . . .

I liked your answers . . .

I have experienced inequality personally . . . I don't, didn't like that much . . .

Anonymous said...

I SO enjoyed all of your answers today! You had so much wisdom and wit in them. Thanks for giving me my morning smile :)

DeniseinVA said...

A very nice start to my day reading this delightful post. Thank you!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I had to read some of this to hubby. He brought me a dozen red roses this week...just to be sweet! But then, we don't have a fireplace and need an armload of firewood brought in. We remember the day when we did though! Stay warm! Hugs, Diane

MadSnapper said...

Let sleeping dogs lie is my motto

I enjoyed all your answers.. on the subject of Brown. No to the color brown for me.. I like some shades of green.. i loved your photos of the colors. gorgeous.. especially the white

just day before yesterday i stood in a hot shower and said thank you.. living without a hot shower and hot coffee would be terrible to me and there are billions who have no water.

September Violets said...

They are really lucky ... what are the chances a plane will hit their house ever again?!

Theresa said...

We have SO much to be thankful for! I saw the plane in the house on the news! That couple in that house SURE DO have SO much to be thankful for this morning! Have a blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

April said...

After I wrote my post about being thankful for heat, all I could think about is those who don't have that luxury. I can't even imagine how they survive in such grueling temps. I saw on the news about the plane that crashed into an elderly couple's home...how fortunate they are to have survived.

Unknown said...

You're hilarious! I can't stand any food that requires much work for little reward (husband can't believe I say no to chicken wings for this reason).

And, I loved "Men are nice people. And sometimes way easier to understand." So true!

Arlene G said...

Judy I always enjoy your hodgepodge posts! I feel I am getting to know you personally. Like you, I am so thankful for a warm home, a cozy bed at night and a family to love and care for! Sometimes we need reminding.

Bossy Betty said...

Great answers. I dunk my pomegranate halves under water and dig the seeds out in the pan. Much neater, but I suspect the squirrel does it more efficiently!

Cheryl said...

Leave the dogs there. They look so content.

I love that your descriptions of "brown" are all about coffee and chocolate.

Totally with you on your feminism response...right down to the load of wood being preferred over the bouquet of flowers.

And I love your answer to the first question about gratitude. Becoming aware of all of our gifts, and recognizing that all of them are from His hand, cultivates a heart of gratitude!

A Joyful Chaos said...

I really enjoyed your answer to the feminist question.

magnoliasntea said...

"I think this photo was taken just before the house landed on her." Ha ha ha ha ha ah ha ha ha ah hah aha ha
That made my day! Have a lovley day, Judy. As for me, I can't stop laughing.
p.s. Did I mention that was a really good one?

magnoliasntea said...

See there, it was so funny I misspelled lovely. hah ha ha ha ha ;)

Primitive Stars said...

Morning, still kinda chuckling. Always enjoy your Hodge Podge, love the pictures too. Blessings Francine.

Unknown said...

hehehe - thank you for making me chuckle this morning - your comment about Betty Friedan cracked me up! And the plane protruding from your living room - yes, that puts it in perspective, doesn't it? Have a great day!

Elizabeth said...

I enjoyed this post !

Linda Kay said...

Judy, very enjoyable post, and I really appreciate your Christian principles shining through. And we surely do need the men in our lives, at least the good ones. Really, did the house fall on Betty?

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I like that you say a prayer when you walk into the shower. I pray in the shower, or I should say I talk to God but I haven't thanked him for the warm water. I said pomegranate too! That is really something about the plane crash. Have a great day!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

This was such a great mix of seriousness and hilarity!

21 Wits said...

They say never bother a sleeping dog! They sure are enjoying the comfort. What a bunch of news and photos and I like that green and fence photo, and the airplane, oh my I heard bits and pieces about it but I never saw a photo until now!

TexWisGirl said...

i often wait to vacuum until i get all 4 dogs 'kicked' outside. :)

i like browns - the browns of texas winter are beautiful.

bless that new mom!

Karen said...

I enjoyed your thoughts today. I never have mastered a Taco Bell taco without getting it all over and smelling like a taco for the rest of the day!!

Barbara said...

Loved all your replies to this Hodgepodge, Judy. You expressed it well in the question on feminism and your quote from the book of Lamentations is one of my favorites.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving (and don't disturb those precious doggies to vacuum!).


Nikki said...

You're the second person i read that said water on #1. That is important though, i mean how many don't even have water at all ? We're very fortunate!

Country Girl said...

Thanks for your thoughts, it was fun reading. But I must say, you are not just lucky but blessed. Happy week before Thanksgiving.

Noelle the dreamer said...

Well I must admit judging from the comments, I have little to add but yes, let the dogs sleep (there is always Manana!), live, love,laugh and as long as brown refers to chocolates, I would be inclined to say I can live with it!
P.S. Showers are a little piece of Heaven when you never enjoy it before, very true!

Nancy said...

This is a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

Debby Ray said...

I really enjoyed your hodgepodge answers today, Judy. Your answer to the question on feminism was right on! On the issue of brown...I used to wear it alot...several years back it was called the "new black" and it became very popular worn with turquoise... I loved it then but it has lost a little bit of it's popularity I think. I do like pomegranates but they can be tricky for sure! Fun post!

podso said...

I do love reading your answers to these questions. And loving green I see why you like Cheryl's kitchen (I do too). And your description of your brother's couch was all about food?

Terri D said...

Judy, though we answered the feminism question pretty much the same, you said it much better than I did! This was a very fun, and very thought provoking Hodgepodge! That is a horrid photo of Ms. Friedan..though right on I think! That plane in the living room is horrific, and you are right that they are not lucky, but are fortunate they were not in the living room!

retired not tired said...

Loved your post today!

Miss Val's Creations said...

Water is such a precious resource that so many people take for granted. We must be thankful for it.

I love your answer about feminism. I am so thankful for having sold my house (which I owned alone) and moving in with my boyfriend in the spring. I love having a man to help with the sort of manly stuff like the lawn and shoveling!

I love that watching the news is a "bad habit" for you! I avoid it but occasionally watch it while asking myself why I'm watching such misery! Ignorance is bliss sometimes. Horrible story about the plane crashing into a home.



Carla from The River said...

I liked your answer about feminism. I like men, especially Jeremy. I like how he holds me when I am sad, the fun teasing we can do to each other because we know each other so well and I LOVE his kisses and cuddles too. ;-)
He is my best friend. I am thankful for him.
Being a mom to boys...feminism can sometimes annoy me BIG TIME!

Michelle said...

Oh, I have just recently started thanking the Lord for my warm shower on these cold days. Realizing not everyone has this luxury.

Thank you for stopping by today :)

Dee said...

Your such a witty writer and I agree on so many of your comments...good to know people who think similar to me :)

Anonymous said...

Judy, love the picture of your puppies on the rug. I posted a picture of little Bear today. It's been so cold here that she's been especially snuggly that I'm tempted not to keep packing but to just sit and snuggle with her.

I changed my blog URL so I don't know if the blog feed is showing up on your blog reader. Sorry about that. You may need to unfollow and then follow again for it to work correctly.

Blessings!

Cathy said...

#4...very well said my friend!!

Love that verse in Lamentations. It's a favorite!

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

What enjoyable answers and love the verse as well. And, I so agree about a warm shower, such a great thing to be grateful for and the warmth of our homes. Blessings!

Life SPW said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. To answer your question, my stuffing is made with hamburg, pork, onions, white bread, turkey seasoning, eggs, milk and masshed potatoes. It's my maternal grandmother's recipe. It is delicious, if I say so myself!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

I say, let the sleeping dogs lie...:)

Vee said...

Joyce baits you?! So funny! Well, imho, you nailed that answer and then fell down on the they are "lucky" one. Given that a plane landed on their house and they are alive to tell about it, they are blessed. If they are Christians and they didn't live to tell about it, they'd still be blessed. And I can smile knowing you are warm and cozy in your home...definitely blessed. Thank you for blessing us with another great post.

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

Do you have any idea how often I give up on hoovering just because the cats are sleeping?!?

Priscilla said...

Good answer regarding the feminism. I agree 100%.

Zoanna said...

Chesterton is so quotable! Love that happiness/gratitude quote. I agree with you totally on the feminism. If we didn't make "their choice" it was the wrong one. And I am grateful every day when I get in the shower that we have running water at whatever temperature we want.

Zoanna said...

Chesterton is so quotable! Love that happiness/gratitude quote. I agree with you totally on the feminism. If we didn't make "their choice" it was the wrong one. And I am grateful every day when I get in the shower that we have running water at whatever temperature we want.

Ida said...

That was fun. I loved reading your answers and the different photos you added. I didn't know squirrels would eat pomegrantes.
Yikes that plane in the house is something else.

Chatty Crone said...

I always like these days because I still learn things about my friends. I am grateful after I get out of the shower for feeling so clean and refreshed! Love brown eyes of both my grandsons! Happy Thanksgiving.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails